February 26, 2008
Huck: Debate Me
CLEVELAND - Mike Huckabee said his campaign has been asking John McCain's campaign to debate, and suggested today that questions surrounding McCain's adherence to campaign finance laws raise doubts about his viability.
Speaking at a press conference that drew just the six reporters still traveling with Huckabee - even though the national press corps is in town for the Democratic debate - the candidate said he wants to debate his rival.
"There's a race going on, and I wish Sen. McCain was debating me this weekend," Huckabee said. "I wish we were gonna be in Cleveland tonight on stage or in Dallas or in Houston or San Antonio or Austin or somewhere between now and Tuesday having a debate."
He said Republicans deserve a one-on-one face-off and that he was "disappointed" a forum between the remaining candidates (Ron Paul is still in the GOP race as well) hasn't been planned.
"We've made it very clear that we would love to have, whether it's a debate or a forum or 'Q and A', where both of us are there; I think any type of format would be acceptable to us, and any location would be acceptable to us," he said.
Huckabee said that the race remained open while questions linger about McCain's spending.
"What can John McCain actually spend?" he asked. "And he seems to be almost being bitten by his own campaign finance reform act, and there are a lot of issues to be settled with what happens in his spending limits."
He said McCain may have to "go completely dark between virtually now and the nomination convention."
Huckabee did not hold a public event in Cleveland, but did receive a private tour of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, before traveling to Columbus and Mason for rallies and a fundraiser in Dayton.
(NBC/NJ's MATTHEW BERGER)
Posted at 11:52 AM
Comments
Maybe Huck and Hillary can debate each other?
just me | 02.26.08 11:59 AM
 |
A debate between Huck and Hillary would be uneventful, as they're both warmongering liberals.
Jeffrey | 02.26.08 12:21 PM
|
I believe a debate would be helpful... the discussion of ideas and the consideration of various viewpoints increase the chance that Americans will make the right choice for president.
Paul | 02.26.08 12:56 PM
|
Huck would mop the floor with John McCain, and he would do it smoothly and eloquently. McCain is not a good public speaker, and certainly not quick on his feet. Huck is truly in his element in a debate. I think he could truly embarass John McCain, which is why I'm guessing McCain will avoid such a debate. McCain has everything to lose, and Huck has everything to gain. I'd still like to see it, though. It would be a great media event. It would also be a good test for McCain - before he has to potentially go up against Hillary or Obama. Either of them could likely clean McCain's clock, too.
Rick | 02.26.08 10:18 PM
|
I wish Huckabee had won in VA---the only chance he has now is to win in TX....McCain knows this and is scared spitless to debate Huckabee...because that is Huckabee's strong suit....so I HIGHLY doubt McCain's advisors will let him Debate. Besides Huckabee even though he is the better debater has really used kid gloves in dealing with McCain...if he were to continue this soft approach a debate with McCain could backfire on him.
Tim Kelley, MN | 02.27.08 12:59 AM
|
I'm really, really disappointed that McCain said he doesn't have the "time" to debate Mike Huckabee, as I feel Americans have a right to a one-on-one debate of those two Republicans. Apparently McCain is well aware (as are many of us) that Huckabee would outwin him about 200% in the debate!
Jen | 02.29.08 11:08 PM
|
I'm really, really disappointed that McCain said he doesn't have the "time" to debate Mike Huckabee, as I feel Americans have a right to a one-on-one debate of those two Republicans. Apparently McCain is well aware (as are many of us) that Huckabee would outwin him about 200% in the debate!
Jen | 02.29.08 11:10 PM
|
Post a comment
The Watergate · 600 New Hampshire Ave., NW
Washington, DC 20037
202-739-8400 · fax 202-833-8069
NationalJournal.com is an Atlantic Media publication.
